Hairstyling accessory with rotatable handle

ABSTRACT

A hairstyling accessory is disclosed which permits a handle to be rotatably adjusted with respect to a head on the accessory, thus permitting the accessory to be tailored to the user&#39;s particular needs. The head has a downwardly extending shaft with a longitudinal axis. The handle is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The accessory includes a lock for locking the handle to the shaft at one of a plurality of different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis. The lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The accessory preferably includes a spring for biasing the lock against movement into the unlocked position. The accessory may be a hair brush, a comb or a mirror.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to hair accessories and, more particularly, to a new hairstyling accessory with a rotatable handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The marketplace abounds with different types and varieties of hairstyling accessories. Many of these devices include a hairstyling component, such as a brush or mirror, and a handle portion. In all the devices currently on the market, the handle is fixed to the hairstyling portion. For devices which have a non-contoured handle, having the handle fixed is not an issue. However, many hairstyling products include handles which are contoured, such as with finger grips, to provide comfort to the user. In such devices, the finger grips are typically arranged to accommodate grasping by right-handed individuals or are centered to accommodate use by both left-handed and right-handed individuals. Some studies show that upwards of 85% of the population is right-handed. For that large segment of the population, right-handed brushes are fine. However, handles with centrally positioned grips are not as comfortable. Furthermore, to date, the 15% of the population that is left-handed have no specific brush to choose from and, thus, have had to live with using uncomfortable conventionally contoured devices.

[0003] Also, there are times when a user is attempting to use a hairstyling device in such a way that a conventional handle orientation is not comfortable at all.

[0004] A need, therefore, exists for a handle on hairstyling products which can be oriented as desired by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a novel hairstyling accessory which permits a handle to be rotatably adjusted with respect to a head on the accessory, thus permitting the accessory to be tailored to the user's particular needs. The head has a hairstyling component on it, such as a brush, comb or mirror. A shaft extends downward from the head and has a longitudinal axis. The handle is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The accessory includes a lock for locking the handle at a plurality of different rotational positions. The lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The accessory preferably includes a spring for biasing the lock against movement into the unlocked position.

[0006] In one embodiment, the lock includes a locking end formed on the shaft and a locking socket located within the handle. The locked position corresponds to the engagement of the locking end with the locking socket. The spring biases the shaft against disengagement of the locking end from the locking socket.

[0007] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the lock includes a locking end located on the shaft with a plurality of spaced apart apertures. A locking tab is located in the handle and is adapted to engage with the apertures for locking the handle to the shaft. In this embodiment, the spring biases the tab toward at least one aperture.

[0008] The foregoing and other features of the invention and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For the purpose of the illustrating the invention, the drawings show a form of the invention which is presently preferred. However, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

[0010]FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of one embodiment of the present invention with a handle oriented in opposite directions.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a section view of the embodiment in FIG. 1A taken along lines 2-2.

[0012]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1A.

[0013]FIG. 4A is a partial isometric view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A in its locked position.

[0014]FIG. 4B is a partial isometric view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A in its unlocked position.

[0015]FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the present invention in its locked position.

[0016]FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5A in its unlocked position.

[0017]FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5A taken along lines 5C-5C.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the handle in one embodiment of the invention taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals illustrate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a hairstyling accessory 10, and in particular, a hairbrush, according to the present invention with its handle 12 oriented in two different positions. As shown, a finger grip 16 on the handle 12 is oriented in two different positions with respect to a head (e.g., bristle portion) 14.

[0020] The head 14 of the hairstyling accessory 10 may be conventional. For example, the head 14 may be a brush, such as a flat back bristle brush or a quill brush, a mirror, a comb or other similar hairstyling accessory. In the illustrated embodiment, the hairstyling accessory is a flat back bristle brush which includes a flat support 18 with a plurality of bristles 20 extending out of one side of the support. The specific configuration of the head 14 is not particularly pertinent to the present invention except as discussed below.

[0021] As noted above, the handle 12 includes a grip or contoured portion 16, such as a finger grip. The grip 16 may be formed as an integral part of the handle 12 or may be a separate component that is attached to or disposed in combination with a handle body 22. The grip 16 may be contoured to receive a user's fingers and/or may be made from a soft, pliable material, such as rubber, for providing comfort when held by a user. In one embodiment, the grip is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) molded onto a portion of the handle body 22. If the grip 16 is separate from the handle body 22, it may be attached to the handle body 22 using a mechanical or adhesive fastener.

[0022] The handle body 22 is preferably made from plastic material and is formed as two separate body housings 24 that are attached to one another or otherwise held together. Preferably the housings 24 are welded one another, such as with ultrasonic welding. Forming a device from molded component parts is well known in the art and, thus, no further detail is necessary. Alternately, the handle can be made as a single molded component.

[0023] The handle 12 is attached to the head 14 through an adjustment mechanism which permits the handle 12 to be oriented and locked in different rotational positions with respect to the head 14. Specifically, the handle 12 is capable of rotating about a longitudinal axis L which extends through a portion of the brush 10. The handle 12 is designed to lock into at least two, and more preferably a plurality of, positions with respect to the brush head 14.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-section through the handle 12 of the brush 10 is shown, illustrating the component parts that make up the adjustment mechanism 30 in one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a shaft 32 is formed on or attached to the head 14. The shaft 32 extends downward from the bottom of the head 14 into the handle 12. The shaft 32 includes a locking end 34 which will be discussed in more detail shortly. The locking end 34 can be attached to the shaft 32 or, as illustrated, may be formed as an integral part of the shaft 32. The locking end 34 can take the form of various components which are designed to lock or engage with a second component for preventing rotation, such as having a key, splines, flutes or have a non-circular cross-section (such as a triangular, rectangular or similar polygonal shaped cross-section.). Those skilled in the art readily appreciate that various other types of locking mechanisms can be substituted for the illustrated embodiment.

[0025] The shaft 32 is located within a cavity 36 formed in the handle body 22 so as to be rotatable and axially slidable with respect to the handle 12 as will be discussed in more detail below. One preferred embodiment of the adjustment mechanism 30 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the brush 10, particularly illustrating the component parts that make up the adjustment mechanism 30. The adjustment mechanism 30 is located between at least a portion of the shaft 32 and handle body 22. The adjustment mechanism 30 includes a sleeve 38 which is preferably formed in two parts as shown. The sleeve 38 is disposed within the cavity 36 of the handle body 22 such that the sleeve 38 does not rotate or slide out of the handle 12. Rotation of the sleeve within the body 22 can be inhibited by forming the outer surface of the sleeve with flutes or similar friction surface. In addition to the flutes, the sleeve 38 can be press-fit into the body 22. Alternately, the sleeve 38 may be adhesively or mechanically attached to the handle to prevent rotation and axial sliding. A collar 40 may be incorporated to assist in locking the sleeve 38 to the body 22.

[0026] If, as illustrated, the sleeve 38 is formed from two components, the two components are preferably half sections of the sleeve which may be attached to one another or may be held together by the walls of the cavity 36. The sleeve 38 preferably includes an interior recess 42 with an upper rim 44. The bottom of the sleeve 38 preferably includes a locking socket 46 which engages with the locking end 34 of the shaft 32 for locking the shaft 32 against rotation with respect to the sleeve 38 (and handle body 22).

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking socket 46 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the locking end 34, thus allowing the locking end 34 to mate with the locking socket 46. While the shape of the recess 46 does not need to be complementary, it does need to be formed so as to permit the locking end to mate (and lock against relative rotation) in at least two positions. Preferably the locking end 34 has a substantially hexagon shaped cross-section with gentle curved walls and the locking socket 46 has a slightly larger substantially hexagon shaped inner contour, also with slightly curved walls. Accordingly, when the locking end 34 is located within the locking socket 46, rotation of the shaft with respect to the sleeve 32 is prevented. FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred cross-section of these two components which permits orientation of the handle at 60 degree intervals. Of course, different shapes will provide different intervals of orientation (e.g., a square cross-section will permit orientation of the handle at 90 degree intervals.)

[0028] A spring 48 is located in the recess 42. The spring 48 is preferably a coil spring disposed around a portion of the shaft 32. The spring 48 is located between the rim 44 and a projection 52 on the shaft 32. More particularly, a washer 52 is preferably located around the shaft 32 below the spring 48. The washer 52 has a diameter that is less than the internal diameter of the recess 42. A snap ring 50 is located below the washer 52. The snap ring 50 locks onto the shaft 32 to retain the spring 48 and washer 52 on the shaft 32 and prevent the spring 48 from sliding off. The snap ring 50 includes flat surfaces 52 which engage with corresponding flat surfaces 54 formed on the shaft 32, thus locking the snap ring to the shaft. A lip 56 is located below the flat surfaces 54 on the shaft 32 and prevents the snap ring 50 from sliding off.

[0029] When the shaft 32 and spring 48 are located within the sleeve 38, the spring 48 is positioned between the washer 52/snap ring 50 and the rim 44 of the recess 42. In the locked position (shown in FIG. 2), the locking end 34 is in engagement with the locking socket 46. Any translation of the shaft 32 axially along the longitudinal axis L will cause the washer 52/ring 50 to compress the spring 48 against the rim 44. Any compression of the spring 48 will result in a biasing of the snap ring 50 and, thus, the shaft 32, away from the rim 44. Since the shaft 32 is attached to the head 14, the result of the biasing is that the head 14 is biased toward the handle 12 and into the locked position.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the embodiment of the present invention described above is shown in two stages of operation. FIG. 4A illustrates the invention in its locked position. In this position, the locking end 34 is engaged with the locking socket 46 and the spring 48 is minimally compressed or not compressed at all. The head 14 is biased toward or positioned immediately adjacent to the handle 12.

[0031] When it is desirable to change the orientation of the handle 12 with respect to the head 14, the user grasps the handle 12 with one hand and the head 14 with the other. The head 14 is then pulled away from the handle 12. This motion causes the shaft 32 to translate within the sleeve 38 until the locking end 34 is no long engaged with the locking socket 46. While this is occurring, the washer 52/snap ring 50 combination compress the spring 48 against the rim 44. This places the locking mechanism in the unlocked position which is depicted in FIG. 4B. In this position, the handle can be rotated with respect to the head. The compression of the spring produces biasing of the shaft 32 toward the locked position. Hence, upon release of the head 14 or the handle 12, the head and handle will reposition into the locked position (FIG. 4A).

[0032] The invention illustrated and described above permits a handle 12 to be oriented at different rotational (angular) positions with respect to the head 14. The specific embodiment illustrated permits the handle to be oriented at 60 degree intervals, thus permitting the device to accommodate different wrist positions and user preferences (e.g., right-handed or left-handed users).

[0033] An alternate embodiment 100 of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C. The primary difference between the embodiment illustrated in these figures and the prior embodiment is in the adjustment or locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 5A, the head 114 includes a shaft 132 which extends downward from the head 114 and into the body 122 of the handle 112. The shaft 132 includes a locking end 134. The locking end 134 is preferably annular in shape with a plurality of apertures 135 spaced circumferentially about the end 134.

[0034] The adjustment mechanism 130 also includes a locking tab 146 which is mounted within the handle body 122 and adapted to engage with one of the apertures 135 for locking the shaft 132 at a particular rotational orientation with respect to the handle body 122. The locking tab 146 is attached to a spring assembly 148 which is located within a recess 142 defined by an internal sleeve 138 in the handle body 122. The spring assembly biases the locking tab 146 into engagement with one of the apertures 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking tab 146 is an integral outward extension of a flexible tube or U-shaped frame. The flexible-tube or frame provides the biasing that forces the tab 146 to engage with the apertures 135. Other types of springs can be used in this embodiment and those skilled in the art could readily make such a modification.

[0035] A release button 170 is in contact with the spring 148 and extends out of a hole in the side of the handle body 122. When pressure is applied to the release button 170 (shown by the left facing arrow in FIG. 5B), the button deflects the spring 148, causing the locking tab 146 to disengage from the aperture. At this point, the head 114 is free to rotate with respect to the handle 12. This is illustrated by the arrow 190 in FIG. 5B.

[0036] The present invention described above provides a novel hairstyling accessory which accommodates a user's preferred handle orientation. While the above discussion has been directed to a brush, the present invention is directly applicable to a variety of other hairstyling products.

[0037] Accordingly, although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hairstyling device comprising: a head having a hairstyling component and a shaft extending downward from the hairstyling component, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; a handle disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and being rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and a lock mechanism located between the shaft and the handle, the lock mechanism engaging the handle to the shaft to lock the handle into a specific rotational orientation with respect to the head.
 2. The hairstyling device of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism further includes a spring for biasing the lock into a locking position.
 3. The hairstyling device of claim 2 wherein the lock mechanism includes a locking end on the shaft and a locking socket in the handle, the engagement of the locking end with the locking socket inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to the head, and wherein the spring biases the locking end toward the locking socket.
 4. The hairstyling device of claim 3 wherein the locking end and the locking socket have cross-sectional shapes which permit the locking end to engage with the locking socket in at least two different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis.
 5. The hairstyling device of claim 4 wherein the locking end and the locking socket have substantially hexagonal cross-sections.
 6. The hairstyling device of claim 2 wherein the lock mechanism includes a locking end on the shaft with a plurality of spaced apart apertures and a locking tab located in the handle and adapted to engage with the apertures for locking the handle to the shaft for inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to the head, and wherein the spring biases the tab toward at least one aperture.
 7. The hairstyling device of claim 6 wherein the lock mechanism further comprises a release button for permitting manual disengagement of the locking tab from an aperture.
 8. The hairstyling device of claim 2 wherein the spring is a coil spring disposed about the shaft, the spring having an upper end which is in contact with a rim of the handle and a lower end which is in contact with a component on the shaft, the spring biasing the shaft against translation out of the handle, and wherein the lock mechanism includes a locking end on a lower portion of the shaft and a locking socket in the handle, the engagement of the locking end with the locking socket inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to the head, and wherein the spring biases the locking end toward the locking socket.
 9. The hairstyling device of claim 8 wherein the component on the shaft is a snap ring and washer assembly.
 10. The hairstyling device of claim 8 wherein the rim and locking socket are portions of a sleeve which is located within a cavity in the handle.
 11. The hairstyling device of claim 10 wherein the sleeve is formed from two separate portions that are fitted together around the shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a recess within which the spring is located.
 12. The hairstyling device of claim 1 wherein the hairstyling component is a brush with bristles protruding outwardly in at least one direction.
 13. The hairstyling device of claim 1 wherein the hairstyling component is select from a group consisting of a brush, comb and mirror.
 14. A hairstyling device comprising: a head having a hairstyling component and a shaft extending downward from the hairstyling component, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; a handle disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and being rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and a lock for locking the handle to the shaft at one of a plurality of different rotational positions, the lock having a locked position and an unlocked position.
 15. The hairstyling device of claim 14 further comprising a spring for biasing the lock against movement into the unlocked position.
 16. The hairstyling device of claim 15 wherein the lock includes a locking end on the shaft and a locking socket located within the handle, the locked position corresponding to engagement of the locking end with the locking socket, and wherein the spring biases the shaft against disengagement of the locking end from the locking socket.
 17. The hairstyling device of claim 16 wherein the locking end and the locking socket have cross-sectional shapes which permit the locking end to engage with the locking socket in at least two different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis.
 18. The hairstyling device of claim 17 wherein the locking end and the locking socket have substantially hexagonal cross-sections.
 19. The hairstyling device of claim 15 wherein the lock includes a locking end on the shaft with a plurality of spaced apart apertures and a locking tab located in the handle and adapted to engage with the apertures for locking the handle to the shaft, and wherein the spring biases the tab toward at least one aperture.
 20. The hairstyling device of claim 19 further comprising a release button for permitting manual disengagement of the locking tab from an aperture.
 21. The hairstyling device of claim 15 wherein the spring is a coil spring disposed about the shaft, the spring having an upper end which is in contact with a rim of the handle and a lower end which is in contact with a component on the shaft, the spring biasing the shaft against translation out of the handle, and wherein the lock includes a locking end on a lower end of the shaft and a locking socket in the handle, the engagement of the locking end with the locking socket inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to the head, and wherein the spring biases the locking end toward the locking socket.
 22. The hairstyling device of claim 21 wherein the component on the shaft is a snap ring and washer assembly.
 23. The hairstyling device of claim 21 wherein the rim and locking socket are portions of a sleeve disposed within a cavity in the handle.
 24. The hairstyling device of claim 23 wherein the sleeve is formed from two separate portions that are fitted together around the shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a recess within which the spring is located.
 25. The hairstyling device of claim 14 wherein the hairstyling component is a brush with bristles protruding outwardly in at least one direction.
 26. The hairstyling device of claim 14 wherein the hairstyling component is select from a group consisting of a brush, comb and mirror. 